Duck Dog Trainer

Duck Dog Trainer offers four main programs: Basic Obedience Training (on-leash commands: sit, stay, heel, come, kennel), Advanced Obedience Training (off-leash mastery of same commands), Basic Retriever Training (foundation for hunting), and Advanced Retriever Training (advanced field skills like boat retrieves, blind work, and cover search). Duck Dog Certification™ is a final credentialing program. All dogs must pass obedience before advancing to retriever training. Training occurs at their facility with field trips to diverse hunting environments. Owners receive hands-on instruction during pickup.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to contact directly for program rates. Training programs are offered as intensive, multi-week packages with options for Basic, Advanced, and Certification levels. Obedience training is structured in one-month levels.

Policies

No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated; clients are encouraged to contact directly for scheduling and pickup arrangements. Brian Johnson is noted for being flexible with client schedules for drop-off and pickup.

Duck Dog Trainer is a premier gun dog training academy located in Southeast Texas, specializing in training duck hunting retrievers, particularly Labrador Retrievers. They offer structured training programs from Basic Retriever Training to Advanced Retriever Training and Duck Dog Certification, designed to turn dogs into reliable waterfowl hunting partners. Their facility features two large reservoirs, a marsh pond, and salt marsh terrain, allowing dogs to train in realistic hunting environments including boat retrieves, blind hunting, and dense cover searches. They also transport dogs to thousands of additional acres for exposure to flooded timber, sloughs, and other hunting scenarios. In addition to hunting-focused training, they provide Basic and Advanced Obedience Training for large and mid-size breeds, helping families develop well-behaved pets. They occasionally sell trained Labrador Retrievers and offer resources like blogs, training definitions, and product reviews to support dog owners.

Their training begins with on-leash obedience before progressing to off-leash commands and hunting-specific skills. Dogs are trained using their custom-built dog truck for safe transport, and trainers work closely with owners during pickup to ensure the entire family understands commands. They emphasize patience, natural ability, and realistic field preparation over forced behavior.

While primarily focused on hunting dogs, their obedience programs are also suitable for non-hunting families seeking a disciplined, responsive pet. They do not train toy breeds.

Brian Johnson is the owner and primary trainer, with over 1,500 dogs trained over the years.

Accomplishments

Trained over 1,500 dogs; known for producing championship-level duck hunting dogs; facility previously known as Fetch ‘Em Up Kennels; featured in YouTube content and social media showcasing successful training outcomes.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact Duck Dog Trainer by phone or email to discuss their dog’s needs and schedule an appointment. A form on the website allows submission of training interests and contact details for follow-up. An evaluation is implied before program placement, particularly for obedience and retriever training tracks.